Baraka is a one-year-old baby boy from Tanzania. He is the only child in his family and lives with both parents. His father is a farmer who cultivates maize to provide food for the family and sells the surplus to meet their basic needs. Baraka has clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bones are shorter than usual, which makes walking and even wearing shoes difficult. As he began to grow and explore his surroundings, the condition affected his mobility, making it difficult for him to wear shoes and walk longer distances without falling. His parents had not sought treatment elsewhere because they had not found an opportunity to access the specialized care he needed. Hope came when the outreach team of our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, visited Baraka’s village and identified him as a child who could benefit from the program. Baraka is set to undergo a series of gentle manipulations and casting sessions to gradually correct the position of his feet. He will then undergo an Achilles Tendon Lengthening procedure. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on September 10th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Baraka's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be provided with a night cast to maintain the correction and help prevent relapse. Baraka's mother shared, “We are grateful that Baraka was given this opportunity. We hope this treatment will help him walk comfortably and grow up like other children.”

Yadesa is an 80-year-old man from Ethiopia. He is a retired merchant who spent his life working hard and building an independent life. Since the deeply sad loss of his beloved wife, he has found comfort and support by moving in with one of his two brothers. One year ago, Yadesa developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision and burning sensation. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. For a man who spent his whole life actively connecting with the world through buying and selling, this slow darkening of his sight is truly heartbreaking. It has made it incredibly hard for him to talk and spend time with his loved ones, enjoy the world around him, and hold onto the dignity and independence that have always defined who he is. Fortunately, Yadesa is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Yadesa shared, "I hope to regain the independence I so deeply miss, allowing me to navigate my home and enjoy the company of my brother with newfound ease and confidence."

Alejandro is an 11-year-old boy who lives in Colombia with his family. He is a smart, kind, and very friendly boy who enjoys spending time with the people around him. He dreams of becoming a veterinarian when he grows up, as he has a deep love for animals and wishes to help and protect them. His infectious energy, positive attitude, and kindness leave a special impression on everyone who has the chance to meet him. A year ago, Alejandro developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Alejandro has been experiencing pain and discomfort especially when coughing or doing any strenuous activities. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on August 14th, Alejandro will undergo repair surgery at Clínica Noel. Alejandro's family is requesting support to raise $1,005 to fund Alejandro's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live healthier. Alejandro's mother says, "I am very grateful for your support to my son. It is a tremendous blessing for our family. May God bless you abundantly and multiply all the help and love you give to those who need it most."